Arc Chute Partition Walls to Prevent DC Arc Reignition
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing arc chutes for direct current switching devices face issues with arc reignition below splitter plates and between legs, leading to degradation and increased extinguishing time, with insufficient insulation and high manufacturing costs.
Innovation Solution
An arc chute design featuring a housing made of insulating material with partition walls formed as insulation sheets, covering and separating the legs of splitter plates to prevent direct contact with the arc, using materials resistant to high temperatures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional arc chutes without partition walls are used, then the structure is simple and manufacturing cost is low, but arc reignition occurs below splitter plates and between legs causing degradation and increased extinguishing time
Solution Approach 1:
The arc chute is segmented into multiple functional zones using partition walls that divide the internal space. These partition walls create separate compartments that guide the arc along a controlled path, preventing arc reignition between legs and below splitter plates. The segmentation allows the arc to be contained and extinguished more effectively without requiring complete redesign of the entire arc chute structure.
Solution Approach 2:
Partition walls act as intermediary elements between the arc and the splitter plate legs. These walls provide physical separation and insulation, preventing direct contact between the arc and the legs, thereby eliminating the harmful effect of arc reignition while maintaining the structural integrity of the arc chute.
2Reliability
If insulation plates are added to cover legs, then arc reignition is prevented, but manufacturing cost increases and production becomes complicated
Solution Approach 1:
The partition walls are merged with the existing arc chute housing structure, forming an integrated design. Rather than adding separate insulation plates as additional components, the partition walls are incorporated into the housing itself, which simplifies the manufacturing process and reduces assembly steps while maintaining effective insulation and arc containment.
Solution Approach 2:
The partition walls serve multiple functions simultaneously: they provide electrical insulation, guide the arc path, structurally support the splitter plates, and prevent arc reignition. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate insulation components, thereby reducing manufacturing complexity and cost while achieving reliable arc containment.
3Ease of manufacture
If the arc chute structure is simplified, then manufacturing cost is reduced, but arc containment and cooling effectiveness decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The partition walls extend the arc containment in the vertical dimension, creating a three-dimensional arc guidance path. This dimensional approach allows the arc to be contained and cooled more effectively without requiring additional horizontal space or complex lateral structures, thereby maintaining manufacturing simplicity while improving arc heat management.
Solution Approach 2:
The partition walls are strategically positioned at critical locations where arc reignition is most likely to occur, such as below splitter plates and between legs. This localized approach provides targeted protection and heat management only where needed, rather than requiring complete structural reinforcement throughout the entire arc chute, thus maintaining cost-effectiveness while preventing harmful thermal effects.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Prevents arc reignition and degradation of splitter plates and chute components by directing the arc centrally, reducing erosion and overheating, while ensuring complete insulation and lower production costs.
Implementation Method 1
partition walls being made of electrically insulative and heat resistant material
Implementation Method 2
partition walls being made of electrically insulative and heat resistant material
Implementation Method 3
The splitter plates split the arc into partial arcs and increase the arc voltage by multiplying the anode and cathode voltage drop
Implementation Method 4
Because of their high heat capacity, the plates and arc chute walls absorb a large amount of the arc's energy
Implementation Method 5
The arc is attracted by magnetic and fluid-dynamic forces towards and between the splitter plates
Implementation Method 6
This increases the arc length, cools it down and finally arc is extinguished
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention discloses an arc chute for a direct current switching device, comprising: at least one stack formed by a plurality of substantially parallel metallic splitter plates (1); at least one stack formed by a plurality of substantially parallel insulation plates (3), the edges of the insulation plates (3) facing the edges of the splitter plates (1); a housing (2) made of electrically insulating material surrounding the at least one stack of splitter plates (1) and the at least one stack of insulation plates (3), wherein each of the splitter plates (1) includes a base part (11) and two legs (12) extending from two opposite sides of the base part (11), whereby the legs (12) on each side of the base part (11) also form a stack, and whereby each stack of the legs (12) is covered by insulation barrier (5) from their internal side, from their bottom side and from the lateral side of the most external splitter plates (1). The insulation barrier (5) comprises partition walls (4), the partition walls (4) being made of electrically insulative and heat resistant material, whereby partition walls (4) are formed as insulation sheets arranged in a spaced relation in a stack, meshing with each stack of the legs (12) and separating the legs (12) from each other. The invention allows to prevent arc reignition below the splitter plates and between the legs of splitter plates, and to protect the legs and bottom area of side walls against the direct contact with burning arc.